X-Bow Gains Key Cyber Cert, Joins Elite Group of Defense Contractors

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – January 20, 2026 – X-Bow Systems, a non-traditional defense technology firm, announced today it has achieved the critical Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2. This accomplishment places the solid rocket motor manufacturer in an elite group of defense contractors, positioning it far ahead of a looming Department of War (DoW) mandate and highlighting a major shift in the competitive landscape of the nation's defense industrial base.

The certification, valid through 2028, confirms that X-Bow has implemented a rigorous set of cybersecurity standards required to protect sensitive government information. As the Pentagon increasingly views cybersecurity as a critical domain of warfare, this achievement is not merely a compliance milestone but a significant strategic advantage for the Albuquerque-based company.

A New Digital Battlefield for Defense Contracts

The Department of War is in the process of rolling out its CMMC 2.0 framework, a sweeping initiative designed to standardize cybersecurity practices across the entire Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Starting November 10, 2026, CMMC certification will become a mandatory requirement for bidding on certain DoW contracts, with a phased implementation expected across most new solicitations thereafter. The goal is to protect the vast ecosystem of contractors from sophisticated cyberattacks that could compromise national security.

However, the path to compliance is proving to be a formidable challenge. Industry estimates suggest that of the more than 80,000 defense contractors that handle sensitive government data and will require CMMC Level 2 certification, fewer than 1% have successfully completed the demanding third-party assessment process. This stark reality means that companies like X-Bow, who have achieved certification early, are now part of an exclusive club. They are not only eligible for contracts that will soon lock out their non-compliant competitors but are also demonstrating a proactive commitment to securing the defense supply chain.

This new requirement effectively establishes cybersecurity posture as a primary gatekeeper for entry and participation in the defense market. For small and medium-sized businesses, the cost and complexity of implementing the required controls and undergoing the audit present significant hurdles. For early adopters, it creates a powerful competitive moat that will be difficult for others to cross before the deadline.

Inside the Rigorous Certification Process

Achieving CMMC Level 2 is no simple task. It requires an organization to implement and be audited against 110 distinct security controls detailed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171. These controls are designed to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI)—sensitive, non-public data that is routinely shared between the government and its contractors. This can include everything from technical schematics and performance data to project timelines and logistics.

X-Bow's assessment was conducted by Redspin, an Authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Redspin holds a pioneering status in the CMMC ecosystem, having been the very first organization authorized by The Cyber AB, the official accreditation body for the CMMC program. This third-party validation marks a significant departure from previous self-attestation policies, adding a layer of accountability and assurance that a contractor’s security measures are genuinely effective.

"Cybersecurity is a top priority for X-Bow as we support our national security customers in safeguarding critical information," said Jason Hundley, X-Bow CEO, in a statement. "Achieving CMMC Level 2 certification demonstrates our dedication to the highest standards of cybersecurity and compliance, ensuring the security of information entrusted to us."

The 'Non-Traditional' Contender's Advantage

X-Bow Systems has positioned itself as a disruptor in an industry long dominated by legacy giants like Northrop Grumman and Aerojet Rocketdyne. By focusing on innovative and cost-effective solutions, such as advanced manufactured energetics and modular solid rocket motors, the company aims to deliver capabilities at what it calls "wartime speed." For such a 'non-traditional' player, which is backed by a mix of venture capital and strategic investments from defense primes like Boeing and Lockheed Martin Ventures, the CMMC certification is particularly impactful.

It levels the playing field by proving that an agile, innovative company can meet the same stringent security standards as its larger, more established counterparts. This certification validates X-Bow not just as a technological innovator but as a trusted and secure partner for the Department of War, effectively neutralizing potential concerns about its relative youth as a company. The ability to guarantee the protection of sensitive CUI allows the firm to compete for high-stakes projects and integrate seamlessly into the secure defense supply chain.

Quality and Security: A Dual-Pronged Strategy

Beyond its newly acquired cybersecurity credentials, X-Bow also holds AS9100D certification. This is the internationally recognized gold standard for quality management systems in the aerospace and defense industry. While CMMC focuses on protecting digital information, AS9100D ensures rigor and discipline in the design, development, and production processes of physical hardware.

The combination of these two certifications creates a powerful synergy. It signals to the Department of War that X-Bow is committed to excellence across the entire product lifecycle—from the digital blueprints to the final, flight-ready solid rocket motor. The AS9100D standard ensures the product is reliable and safe, while CMMC Level 2 ensures the intellectual property and sensitive data behind that product are protected from theft or sabotage by adversaries.

This dual commitment to quality and security is fundamental to the company's promise of delivering warfighting advantages with both speed and reliability. In an era where technological superiority depends as much on protecting data as it does on building superior hardware, X-Bow's dual certifications establish a new benchmark for what it means to be a modern, mission-ready defense contractor.